The Twentieth Wife

By: Indu Sundaresan

Narrated by: Sneha Mathan

Length: 14 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

An enchanting historical epic of grand passion and adventure, this debut novel tells the captivating story of one of India's most controversial empresses, a woman whose brilliance and determination trumped myriad obstacles and whose love shaped the course of the Mughal Empire.

Skillfully blending the textures of historical reality with the rich and sensual imaginings of a timeless fairy tale, The Twentieth Wife sweeps listeners up in Mehrunnisa's embattled love with Prince Salim - and in the bedazzling destiny of a woman, a legend in her own time, who was all but lost to history until now.

©2002 Indu Sundaresan (P)2006 Blackstone Audio Inc.

Critic reviews

"Sundaresan writes in the great tradition of the Indian epic, an art she carries forward with grace and brilliance....This is a remarkably readable book despite the historical basis, with which many readers will not be familiar." (Library Journal)
"Sundaresan's debut is a sweeping, carefully researched tale of desire, sexual mores, and political treachery set against the backdrop of 16th- and 17th-century India....[She] charts the chronology of the Mughal Empire, describing life in the royal court in convincing detail and employing authentic period terms throughout." (Publishers Weekly)

Interesting historical novel

Fascinating history-based story. In the audio book format, it is hard to follow who’s who because the names and titles seem to change and some sound similar. Much of the time, I was lost in trying to follow the specific characters of the story. It is probably easier to follow who they are in the print format. The narrator did an excellent job. I will listen to the next book in the trilogy.

A good historical novel

I really knew very little about the Emperors in India in the 16th and 17th century and therefore I really enjoyed this fictionalized novel of real events. It was very interesting to read of the court life and the hardships faced by those around the court, as well as the historical figures.

This is one of those books that is better listened to than read, because the reader's accent gives a charming dimension to the story.

There is a sequel to this book and another by the same author and I plan to listen to both of them.

Wow!

At this time in Europe, a woman was the Queen of England but, in the Mogul empire, women could not earn money or own property. They were nothing without their husbands and they were required to give them children. A husband was often chosen for them and sometimes they could not even see their husband before they married.

This is the story of the marriage of a common woman in Hindustan, the daughter of a Persian refugee, to the Mogul Emperor. She had dreamed of marrying him since she was a little girl and he was a prince. This educated common woman saw that the only way a woman could have freedom and be self sufficient was to be in the royal harem. She won the love of the emperor prince but the emperor (his father) had already promised her to a man she had never met. The importance of propriety and honor in society prevented their families from calling off the arranged marriage for something as unimportant as love.

This was a riveting story of unrequited love in a time where women had no power or influence. It is also a sad story of a woman who was too intelligent to simply fulfill the duties of wife to a man she did not love.

The most interesting thing about this book is that, although the intimate details of their lives are fictional, it is rooted in historical fact. You can get a glimpse of the splendor and beauty of the Mogul Empire. I am not sure if the dates given in the book are in the christian or islamic calendar but, you can roughly match the events to western events with which we are more familiar.

good story

pleasant story, great narrator, fun to learn about ancient india

Wonderful trip to Mughal era

I love this book. This was on my list to read for long. Worth spending 13 hours

Bringing India to Life

The Twentieth Wife is an enchanting tale intertwined with the beauty and delicacy of Indian silk, embellished with rubies of rumors and gossips wrapped tightly around a body of history brought to life. Indu’s storytelling is masterful and narrated with the skill of a master gardener knowing when to time the pruning of each delicate blossom in the garden. Brilliant!

Great narration

This story was great the narratir show experience keep me cauitivated interested at some point I couldn't sto lessening so far the best story

Refreshing

It is fascinating to travel to a court that is not of the British Empire. The story is excellent and the narrators voice has for me an indefinable sublime melodic quality that transports you into the story while gently yet effectively defines the personality of the numerous characters woven into the colrful tapestry of the authors work.

Fascinating story

I didn't realize until I was partially through the book that the author was telling a tale which had a basis in reality. I finally realized she was using source material at the beginning of chapters. Anyway,I love getting a glimpse into history, but having it told as a story. And the facts of it truly are surprising.
The narrator could not have been any better. She was perfect

Exquisite, lush and thought-provoking!

It’s remarkable that this is a first novel, it’s so well-written and paced. Enjoyed immensely, whisks you directly into a delightfully tantalizing world! Excellent performance too! Defy you not to thoroughly enjoy it, highly recommend!